Why Young Christians Deserting Churches Might be Gay Related

Reverend Howard Bess, Baptist pastor from Alaska, has this to say in the Post-Gazette:

Churches are no longer leaders in broad moral and ethical discussions. Young people have grown weary of churches that cannot get past issues such as homosexuality and abortion.

Our new crop of church drop-outs is still very interested in alternatives to a selfish, hedonistic society. Justice is high on their agenda, and they are looking for opportunities for public service. Our young people want to be involved in solving environmental problems and in peacemaking.

By contrast, pizza parties and rock concerts — techniques that have been used to make churches appear more relevant to the young — are not high on the agenda of young people concerned about society's deep-seated problems.

In other words, too many churches are concerned about same-sex marriage when the preacher should be talking about the unacceptability of war.

How refreshing to see the context properly adjusted. War is destroying marriages, families and humanity. Same sex marriage is not. I love that this retired Pastor gets it.

I'm no longer young (40 this year), but I'm searching for similar things in a church. I want the justice side of Jesus and a pastor who can talk with me without quoting long Scriptures or telling me what Paul experienced. Just talk with me about my life in the larger context. Don't force me into a box. Invite me into the fold.